Steve,
It's easy to underestimate so many of the Serge modules (even in certain cases *after* you've owned them for a while!) until you *really* get to know them. Even then, every once in a while someone will post a great patch or an application that leads to all kinds of new discovery.
The EQ can be quite useful with "internal" Serge patches, but it is especially effective when processing external sounds, be they drums, guitars, vocals... almost anything.
I have all three filters (VCFQ, VCF2, VCFS) and if I had to pick just two of them I would omit the VCFS without question. Don't get me wrong - it sounds great - but there's no dramatic difference versus other quality filters. The variable slope can be useful to "micro-manage" a patch (in other words, if you can tweak the slope, then why not?) or in certain cases to add *subtle* animation. But the VCF2 is extremely flexible and much more unique in character. Some users don't think this has enough "bite," but using an ACPR/SPRC you can patch feedback to enhance the resonance and get a more typical filter response. The ability to "ring" the VCFQ produces nice percussion sounds and interesting effects when being used for typical filtering. The "extended range" mode (which is all but standard these days) comes in handy from time to time as well.
A few "generic" thoughts about the 2-panel layout you sent:
1. Since you will have to "cut corners" (which sounds so silly when you consider the cost!) for a 2-panel layout, think about what you already have on the ASM and avoid duplication as much as you can. For instance, as you have two ASM oscillators that offer PWM, you can save an inch of panel space by choosing a PCO over the NTO. Sure, the NTO has built-in glide and attenuators for linear FM, but both of these are easily achieved using the ASM's glide and scale or other Serge modules. The PCO's "low" mode also lets you use it as an LFO (or super-stable clock source) when you don't need all three oscillators. Also, with two VCAs on the ASM, is the dual VCA really the best use of precious space? (Not arguing, just playing the devil's advocate!)
2. The SQP4 is a nice module, but ask yourself if you would rather have control over four parameters (with just four notes/settings each) or fewer parameters with twice the number of notes/settings available. With either, of course, you may run two rows into an ACPR to "double" the sequence length. I'm not saying either is better, only that it helps to consider these kinds of differences when choosing between two modules.
3. You know more than any of us how you use the ASM, so ignore for a moment all that Serge offers and consider what you feel the ASM is "lacking." What is it that you always wish for and come up empty when you're using it? More LFOs? A less harsh filter? Make sure that you address these items first when designing your panel!
You're right that we don't post enough audio clips, and I am among the guilty. But I tend to use so much of what I come up with and need to figure out better methods for isolating the unused material and converting it to low-bandwidth mp3s. I am already overdue to another list member for some Dual Phaser samples! I'll try to change, but better not to promise...
Chris
It's easy to underestimate so many of the Serge modules (even in certain cases *after* you've owned them for a while!) until you *really* get to know them. Even then, every once in a while someone will post a great patch or an application that leads to all kinds of new discovery.
The EQ can be quite useful with "internal" Serge patches, but it is especially effective when processing external sounds, be they drums, guitars, vocals... almost anything.
I have all three filters (VCFQ, VCF2, VCFS) and if I had to pick just two of them I would omit the VCFS without question. Don't get me wrong - it sounds great - but there's no dramatic difference versus other quality filters. The variable slope can be useful to "micro-manage" a patch (in other words, if you can tweak the slope, then why not?) or in certain cases to add *subtle* animation. But the VCF2 is extremely flexible and much more unique in character. Some users don't think this has enough "bite," but using an ACPR/SPRC you can patch feedback to enhance the resonance and get a more typical filter response. The ability to "ring" the VCFQ produces nice percussion sounds and interesting effects when being used for typical filtering. The "extended range" mode (which is all but standard these days) comes in handy from time to time as well.
A few "generic" thoughts about the 2-panel layout you sent:
1. Since you will have to "cut corners" (which sounds so silly when you consider the cost!) for a 2-panel layout, think about what you already have on the ASM and avoid duplication as much as you can. For instance, as you have two ASM oscillators that offer PWM, you can save an inch of panel space by choosing a PCO over the NTO. Sure, the NTO has built-in glide and attenuators for linear FM, but both of these are easily achieved using the ASM's glide and scale or other Serge modules. The PCO's "low" mode also lets you use it as an LFO (or super-stable clock source) when you don't need all three oscillators. Also, with two VCAs on the ASM, is the dual VCA really the best use of precious space? (Not arguing, just playing the devil's advocate!)
2. The SQP4 is a nice module, but ask yourself if you would rather have control over four parameters (with just four notes/settings each) or fewer parameters with twice the number of notes/settings available. With either, of course, you may run two rows into an ACPR to "double" the sequence length. I'm not saying either is better, only that it helps to consider these kinds of differences when choosing between two modules.
3. You know more than any of us how you use the ASM, so ignore for a moment all that Serge offers and consider what you feel the ASM is "lacking." What is it that you always wish for and come up empty when you're using it? More LFOs? A less harsh filter? Make sure that you address these items first when designing your panel!
You're right that we don't post enough audio clips, and I am among the guilty. But I tend to use so much of what I come up with and need to figure out better methods for isolating the unused material and converting it to low-bandwidth mp3s. I am already overdue to another list member for some Dual Phaser samples! I'll try to change, but better not to promise...
Chris